Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Eligibility
Application
Completing the Application
Transcript Questions
Mailing Questions
Other Application Questions
General Questions
When is the application deadline date?
Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2008. This means the application must be submitted to the post office and postmarked on or before May 15. Scholarship Management Services will allow two weeks for mail to reach our offices in Saint Peter, Minnesota, U.S.A. If you are mailing from outside of the United States, it is highly recommended you mail your application several weeks before May 15.
Where can I find information about the 2009 James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program?
Information and application materials will be available starting in April 2009 at this same
James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program web site.
When will I know if I have been selected for a scholarship?
All applicants will be notified by mail in early August 2008 letting them know if they are a recipient or not.
Who selects recipients for this scholarship program?
Applications are received and evaluated by Scholarship Management Services, a division of Scholarship America. Unless otherwise noted, finalists are selected by Scholarship Management Services and the recipients for each of the awards are selected by the James Beard Foundation.
May I receive more than one award per year?
No. To provide a greater number of culinary students the opportunity for funding, only one award will be offered to each recipient per scholarship program year.
If I am selected as a recipient, is my award renewable for more than one year of funding or for one year only?
A few select awards are renewable per the sponsor's wishes. Consult the guidelines for specifics on the awards for which you are applying. Most awards require recipients to reapply each year they meet eligibility requirements.
Eligibility
What schools are eligible for the General James Beard Foundation scholarships?
The General scholarships can be applied to licensed or accredited culinary schools worldwide.
What type of culinary program must I be planning to attend to be eligible for the James Beard Foundation scholarships?
Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates who plan to enroll or who are already enrolled at least part-time in a course of study leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree at a licensed or accredited culinary school (unless otherwise specified for a particular award).
Are international culinary schools eligible?
Yes, international culinary schools are eligible as long as they are licensed or accredited.
Are non-United States residents eligible?
Yes. Please complete the application as required. Note: You must complete the FINANCIAL DATA: NON-U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY section.
You do not need to complete the financial section for U.S. residents.
Application
Completing The Application
Do I need to use the 2008 application?
Yes, each year the awards change so the current year’s application is needed to allow you to indicate the current awards for which you would like to be considered. Do not use a prior year's application.
I am eligible for more than three of the Friends of James Beard scholarship awards. May I select more than three awards?
No. If more than three are selected, only three will be processed.
I don’t know which school I will be attending, but am considering more than one that is offering a tuition waiver. May I select more than one school award on the application?
No. You may only apply for one tuition waiver award. Select the award that matches your first school choice.
I know where I will be attending culinary school. Do I need to fill out a second choice school?
No, but do complete the rest of the EDUCATIONAL PLANS section immediately after the 2nd Choice line.
How do I list the amounts earned for the WORK EXPERIENCE section?
You may list the wage per hour, yearly salary, or total earned. Any volunteer positions should not be listed in the WORK EXPERIENCE section. List volunteer work in the ACTIVITIES, AWARDS AND HONORS section.
Transcript Questions
Do I send my high school or college transcripts?
Please follow the application instructions in the TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION section on page 5.
If you are still in high school, follow directions for #2 and have an official from your high school complete the TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION section; a transcript of grades must be submitted with all applications from high school students.
If you have attended any classes after high school, follow directions for #1. You do NOT have to send your high school transcript or have a school official complete the boxes in this section.
I have attended more than one postsecondary institution. Do I need to send in my transcript from each one?
Yes, send a transcript for each school you have attended after high school, even if you did not earn a degree or certificate from each.
Do transcripts need to be official copies?
Official copies are preferred, but you may send unofficial copies or online transcripts (see below).
May I submit unofficial or online college transcripts?
Yes, if the transcript print out displays the student’s name, the school’s name, the grade and credit hours earned for each course, and the term in which each course was taken. If official transcripts are needed at a later time, Scholarship Management Services reserves the right to request one from you.
Mailing Questions
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be
postmarked on or before May 15, 2008 to be eligible for the 2008 program.
Should I send all my materials in one envelope?
Yes. If at all possible, collect all your application materials (5-page application, transcript(s), proof of residency if required, essays if required, etc.), make three copies of everything, and send two complete copies all in one envelope. Each complete set should be separated from the other with one clip or staple. Do NOT use binders, folders, or multiple staples. If you need to send separate envelopes please include a note stating that remaining materials will follow. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated for scholarship consideration.
What if I cannot get my transcript or applicant appraisal sent in by the postmark deadline date?
Two copies of the 5-page application must be submitted by the postmark deadline. Late materials (such as a transcript or applicant appraisal) will be matched up to your application for up to two weeks following the deadline. However, it is preferred that ALL materials are mailed in one envelope.
How will I know my application was received by Scholarship Management Services?
Postcards are sent to applicants within three weeks of receipt of your application.
Other Application Questions
How can I prove residency for a scholarship or waiver that requires I be living in a certain state or county?
You may submit a photocopy of your driver’s license or a utility bill in your name. This is only necessary if an award you are applying for explicitly states applicants must live in a certain place. If an award does not have a residency requirement, applicants may be from any where in the world, not just the United States.
Do I need to send two copies of all application materials?
Yes. Photocopies of supplemental materials, such as transcripts, are acceptable. Please send both sets in the same envelope.
May I submit additional information or photographs with my application?
Materials other than those specifically asked for on the application form will not be reviewed as part of your application. You are advised not to send additional materials.
Do I have to write an essay for the application?
There are scholarships and waivers that require an essay. These are specified on page 4 of the application. Only submit an essay if it is required for a specific scholarship or waiver for which you are applying.
I applied last year. Will you send me a copy of my application?
No, copies from prior years will not be sent to applicants. It is highly recommended you make a third copy of your entire application to keep for your future reference.
